I personally took part in several horse-riding holidays but always extended those trips with a proper visit to the country. Why fly for 10, 12 hours just to ride horses and not see anything of the country? This approach naturally required multiple bookings and quite a few tricks to make everything connect seamlessly. Thus, the formula quickly became very expensive. Hence the idea to offer a combo trip that completely unburdens the client and makes sure he can enjoy effortlessly.
For my job, I have traveled extensively and all over the world, and I can now say that I am an experienced globetrotter. This makes me very critical and always in search of style, luxury, and authenticity. With every horse-riding holiday - no matter how much I enjoyed it - I always had some reservations about what could be better, what I missed, or what I would do differently. Horse trails are often quite basic, more in a "hiking" atmosphere. Being somewhat older, I expect not only adventure but also an organization with style and - where possible – luxury and that is what we offer.
Some organizations recognize this need and offer rides that always start from a luxurious central stay or provide a bus transfer every evening and morning to/from a luxurious hotel. However, this way you lose all authenticity and break the adventure of traveling a route together with the horses. Our accommodations are close to the horses and if possible every night at a different place.
Moreover, some of the trails are too long or lack variation, zest, and pace in riding, which can make the journey somewhat dull. Therefore, where possible, we offer one longer and two shorter treks in one trip, each in a different region, on different terrain, and with different horses.
At The Horse Traveller, I based it on my own experiences to bring an improved formula, and we test each horse trek, each hotel, and each visit for a combination of authenticity, style, and luxury.
Traveling, I always enjoyed , both for work and with family, but I have also traveled a lot on my own. I found gathering information, booking, and organizing always incredibly fun.
I have been riding horses since I was 13 and was active as a show jumping rider. I also try to breed a foal each year and ride an average of 3 to 4 times a week.
With The Horse Traveller I combine two passions, which makes me very happy and motivated to develop fantastic trips. Even more so because I am supported by my two daughters with whom I form a strong team.
My eldest daughter Chloe has been infected with the horse bug from a young age. She was active in show jumping, still rides, and guides her two sons in pony riding. Her partner Nicolas is a gifted dressage rider. A dynamic couple that does not shy away from challenges.
Daughter Sam inherited my travel bug. As a lifestyle journalist for magazines like Feeling and Elle she is well suited to find the ideal spots for our journey.
They will initially assist me with the startup and guide a few trips. Later they will take on a more supporting role.
I have extensive experience as a manager abroad (Asia, Australia, South America, India, Bangladesh) and later as an interim manager with a focus on "Operations" and "Supply Chain." This background provides me with all the essential tools for organizing trips. My training as a lawyer further helps me to close watertight contracts with parties abroad so that travelers can always enjoy a carefree experience without any unpleasant surprises.
Luc Vandenbosch
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